Duchess is cheered as she samples Devon cider

By Richard Savill

12:01AM BST 20 May 2005

Crowds at the Devon County Show cheered and applauded yesterday as the Duchess of Cornwall inspected cattle, sheep and pigs and sampled the local cider.

The duchess was accompanying the Prince of Wales, the show's patron, on their first visit to the South-West since their marriage last month. As Duke of Cornwall, the prince is one of the largest landowners in the region.

The duchess, dressed in a coral dress and matching coat, also tasted locally made lemon and Pimms pudding, bread and ice cream.

After she inspected some Bluefaced Leicester sheep, their owner, Tom Turner, a farmer, said: "She is one of us - a country person."

Yvonne Isaacs, an exhibitor from Winkleigh, Devon, said: "People are pleased that Charles and Camilla have found happiness at last. They are a charming couple. She is so relaxed with people. I think she will be a great success."

During the pig judging, the duchess asked how the Large Blacks were made to look so black and shiny. "I told her I used baby oil," the breeder, Vicky Mills, said.

Before the couple left, they were presented with a late wedding present, a garden seat hand made by a local craftsman, Martin Symes. The duchess inspected the seat and said: "If I sat down I would be out for the afternoon - it looks far too comfortable."

The couple later travelled on to Cornwall for a reception at Restormel Castle, which is owned by the Prince's Duchy of Cornwall. They are due to fly today to the Isles of Scilly.

• The Duchy expressed "disappointment" last night after a complex of 26 flats, two shops, four office units and parking proposed for the prince's model Dorset village of Poundbury was refused planning permission.

West Dorset district council said it would create an "overpowering relationship" with adjoining homes.